Friday, October 14, 2011
Week 3 Art of Possibility...Taking the Bull by the Horns
Often educators pride ourselves as being the sage on the stage. But for the learner or listener that may not be the moniker given. A classroom is more than just one voice or mode of thinking. In chapter 5, Zander conveys a practice of given those that you lead a chance to lead. If this thought process was adopted in schools, in school boards, in administrative offices, & legislative sessions I think the educational climate would shift. Giving students an honest no holds barred opportunity to share what REALLY works for them. Rather than continuing to test them to death would be beneficial not only to instruction but to society as a whole. More students would gain more from school because they had a hand in creating its output. Teachers would restore that connection with students instead of fumbling to find it for 187 days. Administrators and legislators would know EXACTLY where to spend time, energy, & funds rather than blindly attempt to dictate change. Thus creating a "round table" atmosphere would level the playing field & invite everyone to play ball since everyone now has to bat.
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I've often wondered the same thing Sharol! Why don't the administrative decision-makers consult with those "in the trenches"before declaring a new policy or edict? We could learn so much in a more collaborative atmosphere!
ReplyDeleteLike you said, "Giving students an honest no holds barred opportunity to share what REALLY works for them" gives the teacher/administrator another point of view, and causes students to think differently as they later approach their studies. This team-work approach empowers students and encourages them to take responsibility for their learning... priceless!
I love the idea of a "round table" approach. Alas, it's more often "those who have never taught dictate how teachers should do their jobs." Sad.
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